Welcome to the summer edition of the monthly Nordic events posts. Find one-day or multi-day options to explore Nordic languages, culture and history, arts and crafts, and food and cooking from the comfort of your own home. As I’ve done in the past, I’m combining events for June, July, and August into one post and will update as new events come on my radar.

And since I won’t be returning with a post of events until September, Southern California readers should take notice of a couple of events happening in the fall so they can mark their calendars if interested. The Vista Viking Festival returns to Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, CA, on September 19 & 20 (tickets already on sale!), and the Daughters of Norway Turid Jesperson Lodge #44’s annual Scandinavian Heritage Fair will take place October 10 in Mission Viejo, CA.

And finally, depending on where you live or might be traveling this summer, there are popular Scandinavian/Nordic festivals happening in case you’re in the area: Scandinavian Festival in Moorhead, Minnesota, June 19-20, and Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa, July 23-25.

What will you add to your summer calendar this year? Wishing you a fun-filled and interesting summer! 

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Throughout the Summer

Nordic Book Club Meetings

Are you a reader and interested in joining other readers online to discuss Nordic books or maybe you’re just eager for reading ideas? Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: Summer 2026 to see details about book selections and meeting dates throughout the summer.

Norwegian Language for Travelers (On-Demand)

Whether you’re planning a trip to the stunning fjords, the vibrant cityscapes of Oslo, or the charming coastal towns, learning Norwegian will enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals in a more meaningful way. Join Dr. Maren Anderson Johnson and learn Norwegian words and phrases. A kit of materials including a workbook that supports the video instruction and a sweet treat from Vesterheim is included in the cost of registration. On-demand class content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase.

Sølje-Inspired Earrings (On-Demand)

Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that if you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own silver- and gold-washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silverwork. A kit including the materials you need to create two pairs of earrings in a variety of combinations, and you’ll receive information about how to access the online course materials (content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase). The level of instruction is beginner friendly.

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JUNE

ASI Language Program: Beginning Swedish ABC, 123! with Jean Hanslin (Mondays, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15)

Set off on your Swedish adventure with this fun class taught by Jean Hanslin—expect lots of interaction and smiles! Over three weeks, the class will focus on letters, numbers, and greetings in dialogues, songs, and poems. This class is suitable for new beginners to Swedish (Beginning I level) of all ages, from 10 to 100. For more advanced classes with Jean Hanslin, see her upcoming classes here.

ASI Language Program: Sweden and Swedish for Travelers with Gregg White (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6/2-11)

Traveling to Sweden soon or just thinking about it? Want to know the essential phrases to use with your friends and relatives? Have some questions about what to see and where to go once you get there? This language and travel course, taught by Gregg White, will get the traveler to Sweden off to the right start. If you are not ready to commit to a full language course but want a brief introduction to Swedish and the lovely country where it is spoken, then this course is for you.

Sweden’s History: The Country, the Nation, the State with Gregg White (Tuesdays, 6/2-7/7)

This course, taught by Gregg White, introduces the history of Sweden. In six weeks, this class will cover the geography (the country), the history (the nation), and the political system (the state) of Sweden. The class will learn how these three important factors shaped what we know as “Swedishness”, from the melting of the ice-age glaciers to the development of the “third way” of social democracy. Materials provided by the instructor; students will be given links to handouts they can print before each class. Advanced registration required.

Scandinavian Everyday Book Talk and Demo with Nichole Accettola (Thursday, 6/11)

Join San Francisco-based chef and author Nichole Accettola for an introduction to her newest cookbook, Scandinavian Everyday, in this virtual demo and book talk. With a repertoire of recipes rooted in traditional Scandinavian cooking, Scandinavian Everyday offers inspiration for year-round meals grounded in the seasonal, sustainable and healthy approach of the modern Nordic Diet. Nichole will demonstrate several recipes from the book while discussing how her years living in Denmark changed her approach to cooking every day at home and her San Francisco restaurant, Kantine.

ASI Food Program: Strawberries in the Nordic Kitchen Demo with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 6/18)

If there was ever a fruit that defined summer in the Nordic kitchen, it would be the strawberry. In honor of this spectacular fruit’s seasonal arrival, join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates a trio of Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog True North Kitchen, including a Finnish inspired almond-strawberry tart, a classic Danish pudding, and a versatile compote perfect for tucking away in the freezer.

ASI Language Program: All About Finnish with Daniel Haataja (Thursdays, 6/25-7/9)

Have you heard the myth that Finnish is an impossibly difficult language? Curious to find out more about its structure and vocabulary? During this three-session course taught by Daniel Haataja, we’ll look at Finnish from a linguistic perspective and discuss what makes it different, but not necessarily difficult. We’ll also explore how the language has changed over time and continues to evolve today. No knowledge of Finnish is required, but you may leave the course with a strong desire to start learning the language.

Sámi Environmental Philosophy with Dr. Áila O’Loughlin (Tuesdays, 6/30-7/14)

The Sámi are an Indigenous people of the Arctic Circle who reside across four political borders of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. The semi-autonomous nation of the Sámi people is called Sápmi. The readings discussed in this 3-part lecture/discussion series led by instructor Dr. Áila O’Loughlin introduce participants to topics in Sámi philosophy as they engage with Sámi metaphysics/worldview and questions in practical environmental ethics, such as moral obligation to so-called ‘natural objects’ such as water and rocks, natural resource stewardship, the green transition, language, and identity.

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JULY

Sámi History 101 with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/8)

This is the first in a four-part series about the Sámi (Northern Sámi: Sápmelaččat or Sámit) who are the only recognized Indigenous people in Europe, whose lands, Sápmi, are claimed and divided by the Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Russian nation-states. Despite the central roles they’ve played in the political, economic, and cultural histories of Northern Europe, the Sámi are commonly depicted as ahistorical wildlings whose lands are an unused frontier, ripe for development. This engaging series of lectures illuminates how untrue those depictions are. In “Sámi History 101,” you’ll examine the fundamentals of Sámi history and culture, surveying oral histories, subsistence practices, societal organization, and Sámi cultural icons.

Sámi History 102 with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/15)

In session two, “Sámi History 102,” you’ll expand on the topics in session one by inspecting how historical relations and archaeological, linguistic, and genetic studies contribute to the study of Sámi history.

Sápmi Histories of Colonization with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/22)

In the third session, “Sápmi Histories of Colonization,” dive into how encroachment, taxation, and borders, among others, constructed and construct Fennoscandic colonialisms, creating a timeline of how colonization has looked and still looks in Sápmi.

Sápmi Today with Christian Hans Pedersen (Wednesday, 7/29)

In the final segment, “Sápmi Today,” you’ll trace those legacies to the present to contextualize Sámi survivance, or survival through resistance, by examining political organizing, rights, and contemporary forms of colonization in Sápmi.

ASI Food Program: Scandinavian Hot Dogs Demo with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 7/23)

What do mashed potatoes, shrimp salad, and curry remoulade sauce have in common? All are common hot dog toppings across Scandinavia! Whether for a quick weeknight supper or a fun summer entertaining spread, Scandinavia provides plenty of fun twists on the average hot dog. Join Kristi Bissell from the blog True North Kitchen for tips and tricks for Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish style hot dogs and get ready to find your next favorite hot dog topping!

Ancestral Silence: Rediscovering Sámi Identity in the Norwegian-American Diaspora (Thursday, July 30, Free)

Across North America, many Norwegian-American families are rediscovering forgotten or hidden elements of their ancestral past. Among these histories are connections to the Sámi. Yet for generations, Sámi identity was often silenced or obscured due to assimilation policies, social stigma, and pressures to conform to dominant national identities. This webinar explores the historical roots of that silence and the contemporary journeys of rediscovery now taking place among descendants in the diaspora.

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AUGUST

Norsk i Sammenheng: Sounds of Norwegian, an Introduction to Pronunciation (4 Sundays, 8/2-23)

This four-week online course for advanced students of Norwegian offers an engaging introduction to the ins and outs of Norwegian pronunciation. You’ll explore the rhythm, stress, and melody of spoken Norwegian and take a closer look at what makes its pronunciation unique—especially compared to English. Students will learn the basics of the Norwegian sound system, discover how speech sounds are made, and practice using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to read and write pronunciation symbols. Enrollment Deadline July 19.

Introduction to Hardanger Embroidery (3 Tuesdays, 8/4-18)

Hardangersøm is Norwegian drawn thread work. In this online class, you will learn basic Hardangersøm stitches as you make an ornament. Instructor Shan Rayray will take you step-by-step through each of the stitches. The class will consist of three sessions over three weeks. Each session will be accompanied by a video tutorial that you can refer to between class sessions as you complete each step.

ASI Language Program: Intro to Icelandic with Daniel Haataja (Thursday, 8/6)

Are you curious about the Icelandic language? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Iceland? This two-hour introductory workshop, taught by Daniel Haataja, is the perfect way to get a feel for Icelandic, pick up some grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words for basic conversation.

ASI Language Program: Intro to North Sámi with Dr. Áila O’Loughlin (Tuesday, 8/11)

Are you curious about the Sámi language and culture? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to the north of Finland, Sweden, or Norway? This two-hour introductory workshop, taught by Áila O’Loughlin, is the perfect way to learn some history of the nine living dialects of Sápmi, get a feel for North Sámi, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words in basic greetings.

Knowing Karin Larsson with Ingela Haaland (Thursday, 8/13)

Welcome to a lecture on Karin Larsson, artist and designer, married to artist Carl Larsson. The lecture by instructor Ingela Haaland will cover the accomplished life and work of Karin Larsson, with a focus on her contributions to interior design and fashion.

Scandinavian Meringues with Patrice Johnson (8/15)

Join Vesterheim for an afternoon of meringues with a battle between the Norwegian kvæfjordkake and the Swedish pinocchio. Instructor Patrice Johnson will show you how to make both meringues and it will be up to you which one will come out victorious, even though the ones who get to eat the meringues will be the real winners.

 

Family Handcraft at Home: Needle Felting a Fox (Enrollment Deadline: 8/18)

Join Vesterheim instructor Laura Berlage in September for a family journey into the wonderful world of needle felting. Laura will guide you through the tips and tricks needed to walk away with your very own little fox. This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access.

Knowing Anders Zorn with Ingela Haaland (Thursday, 8/20)

Anders Zorn, a world-famous artist from Dalarna, left us iconic paintings that immortalize the beauty of Swedish landscapes and traditions. Did you know he also noticed that folk music was losing popularity at the turn of the last century? He therefore took action, creating the Zorn Badge to reinvigorate Swedish folk music by recognizing and awarding accomplished folk musicians. In this lecture by instructor Ingela Haaland, participants will learn more about Anders Zorn, the artist, the person, and the innovative thinker, and explore his artistic work, his home province of Dalarna, and his impact upon the folk music traditions of Sweden that flourish to this day.

Rosemaling a Hallingdal Fjord Horse (Saturday, 8/22 & Sunday, 8/23)

If you have already tackled one of the Introduction to Basic Strokes of Rosemaling classes or have similar experience, Vesterheim welcomes you back with fun sessions to continue your journey and learn basic stroke work with a new pattern and project! Develop your technique further and meet new friends. The class will include demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice. The class will be taught using acrylic paint. Enrollment deadline July 30.

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Which events or experiences will you add to your summer calendar?

(Vesterheim’s online folk art courses sell out quickly. To see what’s coming up in later months and sign up before it’s too late, visit Vesterheim: Online Folk Art Courses.)